PACK ATTACKS COYOTES LEADERSHIP EXPO ROCKS THOMAS JEFFERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL Posted on April 28, 2016 0 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Reddit Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin Share on Tumblr (INDIO) – The Mayor of Indio, a prominent corporate president and a local CBS news anchor showed up Tuesday at the SoCal Coyotes Leadership Expo at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, listening intently as the four-time champions delivered a sizzling symposium that encouraged 700-plus students to eliminate excuses, study more and dream even bigger. Indio Mayor Glenn Miller, General Air Conditioning Founder Frank Harrison and CBS Local 2 Anchor Tom Tucker were among the dignitaries who came to witness the half-day series from the non-profit sports leadership organization, whose leadership initiatives have captured the attention of educators, parents and professionals throughout the Coachella Valley. Coyote players Gary Young, Jake Sheffield, Cedric Cox, John Paiz and Matt Arias told compelling personal stories of how they attacked laziness, addressed accountability, and inspired passion in their own lives. The Coyotes did four consecutive, fine-tuned, 50-minute presentations that also included their thrilling big-screen short movie, and 50-question, award-winning Coyote Leadership Quiz and curriculum. –“Don’t let your circumstances define you,” encouraged Young, a pro prospect who graduated from Bemidji State University. “Change your story, change your life.” –“You have to lead yourself before you lead others,” directed Sheffield, a decorated, two-tour, combat U.S. Marine and the Coyotes all-time sack leader, who graduated from Arizona State University. –“Show me your friends, I’ll show you your future,” preached Paiz, the Coyotes 2015 leading tackler, who spent several years “learning life the hard way” in community schools. –“Don’t be good, be great,” said receiver Matt Arias, a College of the Desert prospect who starred locally at Shadow Hills High School. –“Find your passion, find your purpose,” said Cedric Cox, a former Coyote Player of the Year, who played at Florida State and was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles. Hall of Fame Head Coach J David Miller dared students to “get the easiest win of the day” by simply making their beds the moment they awake. Reading more than you watch TV or use a cell phone “will change your whole life,” the coach said. And for students who wish adults respected them more, he suggested they “try these magic words – ‘yes sir, no sir, yes ma’am, no ma’am.’” Civic icon General Air Conditioning & Plumbing provided free footballs to every student, tossed out by none other than the ‘Coyote General’ mascot, who was also on hand. Mayor Glenn Miller summed up the hard-hitting Coyote presentation in a single word. “Impressive,” said the Mayor, whose own surprise visit stunned teachers and students alike. ON THE FIELD, 70 PLAYERS EACH YEAR earn the distinction of ‘Defending the Shield’ in the uniform of the SoCal Coyotes. Many will earn a shot with NFL, CFL or AFL opportunities, or graduate into business careers. Off the field, more than 30,000 Coachella Valley youth annually participate in Coyote Leadership Training and receive published Coyote Leadership Curriculum. THE SOCAL COYOTES affect every community they touch. Coyote programs reach thousands of youth through coordinated efforts with numerous local charitable and civic organizations, including Boys & Girls Clubs, the YMCA, the Desert Strength Academy, the Boys & Girl Scouts of America, and Rotary International. -Ron DiGrandi, SVP & Community Outreach Director ([email protected]; 760.285.7073)
